Pope Leo XIV met employees of the Roman Curia, the Governorate of the Vatican City State and the Vicariate of Rome, together with their families, for the traditional exchange of Christmas greetings. The audience was held at the Vatican Audience Hall on Monday, 22 December 2025, marking the first such occasion presided over by Pope Leo XIV since the beginning of his pontificate.
Opening his address, the Pope thanked those present for their warm welcome and for attending the gathering with their families. He described the meeting as a moment not focused on work, but on gratitude, stating that he wished “to thank every one of you for the work you do.” He noted that he is gradually coming to know the Vatican as “a large mosaic of offices and services” and expressed hope to meet staff personally during future visits to their workplaces.
Reflecting on the Nativity scene displayed in the hall, donated by Costa Rica, the Pope highlighted how traditional nativity scenes often include figures engaged in everyday trades. While many of these occupations have changed or disappeared over time, he said they retain symbolic meaning, reminding us that “all our activities, our daily occupations, acquire their full meaning in God’s plan, which has its centre in Jesus Christ.”
Pope Leo XIV emphasised that ordinary work, carried out with dedication and commitment, is a way of praising God. He observed that even when people seem absorbed in daily tasks, they participate fully in God’s plan through their responsibilities and care for their families.
Concluding his address, the Pope encouraged everyone to learn from the Christmas of Jesus “the style of simplicity and humility,” and asked that his greetings be conveyed especially to the elderly and the sick. He wished all those present a holy Christmas, marked by joy and serenity.
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